Two months ago, Thomas and I stood before our friends and family in the heart of France and said the words we had dreamed of for years: “I do.” It was, without question, the most magical chapter of our lives. But what made the occasion even more special wasn’t just marrying my best friend—it was celebrating our union across cultures, surrounded by the people we love, in the most breathtaking of settings.
Our wedding wasn’t just a day; it was an entire journey. Over the course of ten days, our guests joined us in both Paris and Southwestern France, experiencing not just the romance of our story, but the beauty of the regions we hold close to our hearts. Hosting our families and friends in France felt like giving them a gift: the chance to share in a celebration that was as much about love as it was about community and tradition.
Two Ceremonies, One Love Story
We knew from the start that one ceremony simply wouldn’t be enough to capture the depth of our love and the richness of our heritage. So, we celebrated with two.
The first was a traditional Ghanaian ceremony, alive with color, music, and cultural rituals that honored my family’s roots. Every detail carried meaning—the fabrics, the blessings, the exchange of gifts—all woven together to symbolize not just our love, but the unity of our families and communities.
The second was our white wedding, set against the timeless beauty of a French château in Poitiers. It was everything I had envisioned and more: romantic, elegant, and brimming with joy. Walking down the aisle in that setting, with Thomas waiting for me, felt like something out of a storybook. Together, the two ceremonies reflected who we are as a couple: a blending of Ghanaian, French, and American traditions, each one celebrated with reverence and love.
Representation Matters
When we decided to share our story with VOGUE Weddings, it was about more than just showcasing beautiful gowns and dreamy French backdrops. For me, representation has always been at the heart of why I tell my story.
As a plus-size bride and part of an intercultural, interracial couple, I wanted other women and couples like us to see themselves reflected in mainstream wedding features. Too often, the glossy pages of magazines and the curated boards of Pinterest can feel narrow in their scope, leaving many couples wondering if their love stories “fit” the mold. I wanted to challenge that. I wanted brides researching for their own weddings to find images of couples who looked like them, who celebrated multiple traditions, and who embraced every part of their identity with pride.
Thomas, who is naturally a very private person, understood how important this was to me. Even though he prefers life away from the spotlight, he agreed to open up this part of our lives so that others could be inspired. That alone is one of the countless reasons I feel so lucky to call him my husband.
Gratitude in Abundance
Planning a wedding is never a small feat, but doing so during a global pandemic added layers of challenge I could never have anticipated. None of it would have been possible without the unwavering support of our family, friends, and an extraordinary team of vendors who helped bring our vision to life.
From the artistry of our photographers—Charla Storey and her incredible team, Rebecca Langford and Julie Wilmes—to the thoughtful details executed by planners, florists, and stylists, every contribution built the foundation for the fairytale we lived. I am endlessly grateful to each and every person who stepped in, often going above and beyond, to ensure our wedding was not only beautiful but deeply meaningful.
Reliving the Magic
Being featured in VOGUE Weddings has been such an honor. Writer Alexandra Macon captured our story with care, and seeing our French, Ghanaian, and American traditions celebrated on such a platform was surreal. The feature included 68 breathtaking images that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of our celebration—the laughter, the tears, the drama (yes, there was some dress drama!), and the overwhelming joy.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing more of the unpublished images and personal anecdotes that didn’t make it into the feature. From behind-the-scenes moments to lessons learned along the way, I hope to give you a deeper glimpse into what it means to plan a wedding that stays true to who you are as a couple.
The Beginning of Forever
At the end of the day, the weddings—the ceremonies, the châteaux, the gowns—were all beautiful, but they were simply the backdrop to the most important part: marrying Thomas. He is my partner in every sense of the word—my confidant, my partner-in-crime, and the person I can’t wait to build a future with.
Our wedding week in France was a celebration of love, yes, but it was also a celebration of identity, heritage, and representation. And as I look back on the whirlwind of joy, I feel both humbled and grateful. To those planning their own weddings, my hope is that our story inspires you to embrace every part of who you are, to honor your traditions, and to create a day that feels entirely your own.
After all, weddings are not just about saying “I do.” They’re about saying yes—to love, to partnership, to heritage, and to a lifetime of writing your story together.
